U.S. patent number 4,592,730 [Application Number 06/626,921] was granted by the patent office on 1986-06-03 for rifle training apparatus.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Lomah Electronic Targetry, Inc.. Invention is credited to Brian Compton, Lindsay C. Knight.
United States Patent |
4,592,730 |
Knight , et al. |
* June 3, 1986 |
Rifle training apparatus
Abstract
Training apparatus for sporting equipment such as rifles in
which at least one transducer which is pressure or weight sensitive
is attached to the equipment at a position or positions where the
pressure of body weight or contact is critical. The apparatus
includes a display having an indicator or indicators connected to
the transducer so as to give an indication of the body pressure or
weight at the transducer. In one form of the invention, the
indicators comprise a series of colored lights associated with each
transducer so as to visually indicate insufficient, correct or
excessive pressure or weight at the transducer.
Inventors: |
Knight; Lindsay C. (Albury,
AU), Compton; Brian (Lavington, AU) |
Assignee: |
Lomah Electronic Targetry, Inc.
(Boca Raton, FL)
|
[*] Notice: |
The portion of the term of this patent
subsequent to July 3, 2001 has been disclaimed. |
Family
ID: |
3761068 |
Appl.
No.: |
06/626,921 |
Filed: |
July 2, 1984 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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835431 |
Sep 21, 1977 |
4457715 |
Jul 3, 1984 |
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733331 |
Oct 18, 1976 |
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617145 |
Sep 26, 1975 |
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Foreign Application Priority Data
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Jul 10, 1975 [AU] |
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82919/75 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
433/22;
434/247 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41G
3/2616 (20130101); A63B 69/04 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A63B
69/04 (20060101); F41G 3/00 (20060101); F41G
3/26 (20060101); F41F 027/00 (); F41G 003/26 ();
G09B 019/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;434/19,21,22
;273/310,311,312 ;73/379 ;340/279 ;356/152 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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477216 |
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Aug 1975 |
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AU |
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303583 |
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Nov 1972 |
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AT |
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2308754 |
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Sep 1974 |
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DE |
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2352433 |
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Apr 1975 |
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DE |
|
4860665 |
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Nov 1971 |
|
JP |
|
4913057 |
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May 1972 |
|
JP |
|
1371361 |
|
Oct 1974 |
|
GB |
|
445822 |
|
Jun 1975 |
|
SU |
|
Primary Examiner: Grieb; William H.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Schwartz, Jeffery, Schwaab, Mack,
Blumenthal & Evans
Parent Case Text
This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 05/835,431, filed
Sept. 21, 1977, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,457,715, granted July 3, 1984,
which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 05/733,331,
filed Oct. 18, 1976, now abandoned, which was a continuation of
application Ser. No. 05/617,145, filed Sept. 26, 1975, now
abandoned.
Claims
We claim:
1. Apparatus for training in the use of a firearm, comprising:
a training firearm;
at least one transducer means positioned relative to the firearm
and coupled for providing a signal representing pressure applied to
the training firearm;
a circuit means responsive to said transducer signal for defining a
transducer signal range corresponding to a predetermined optimal
range of pressure applied to the firearm; and
an indicator means responsive to said circuit means for providing
an indication when the pressure applied to the firearm at said
transducer means is within said predetermined optimal range.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said transducer means is
detachably mounted on said firearm.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the firearm includes a recess
for receiving said transducer means, said transducer means being
mounted in said recess.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said transducer means comprises
a pair of terminals and means for varying the electrical resistance
between said terminals in dependence on applied pressure.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said resistance-varying means
comprises a resiliently deformable, carbon-impregnated core.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said circuit means comprises
means for determining whether said transducer signal corresponds to
a pressure applied to the firearm which is within, less than or
greater than said predetermined optimal range, and said indicator
means comprises means operatively connected to the determining
means for providing a first indication when the pressure applied to
said transducer means is within said predetermined optimal range, a
second indication when the pressure applied to said transducer
means is less than said predetermined range, and a third indication
when the pressure application to said transducer means is greater
than said predetermined range.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said indicator means comprises
a representation of said firearm having means for indicating when
the pressure applied to the firearm is within said predetermined
range, each of said indicating means being responsive to a signal
from an associated transducer means, and each of said indicating
means being located on said representation at a position
corresponding to the position of the associated transducer means
relative to said firearm.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said circuit means
comprises:
means for defining a range of variation of said transducer signal
corresponding to said predetermined optimal range of applied
pressure; and
means for controlling said indicator means to provide said
indication when said transducer signal is within said defined range
of variation.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said transducer means is a
variable-resistance element and said circuit means comprises:
means for producing a reference voltage;
a resistance connected in series with said transducer means;
means for supplying a constant current to said series-connected
resistance and said transducer means;
first means for comparing the combined voltage drop across said
transducer means and said resistance with said reference voltage
and producing a first control signal having a value dependent on
which of the compared voltages is greater;
second means for comparing the voltage drop across said transducer
means with said reference voltage and producing a second control
signal having a value dependent on which of the compared voltages
is greater; and
means for controlling said indicator means indication in dependence
on said first and second control signals.
10. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said indicator means provides
a first indication when said first and second control signals
represent the condition that the pressure applied to said
transducer means is less than said predetermined range, a second
indication when within said predetermined range, and a third
indication when greater than said predetermined range.
11. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said resistance is manually
adjustable, whereby the magnitude of pressure variation of said
predetermined range may be manually selected.
12. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said reference voltage is
manually adjustable, whereby the lower limit of said predetermined
range may be manually selected.
13. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said first and second control
signals are logic signals and said controlling means comprises a
logic circuit.
14. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said display means provides a
continuous indication of the pressure applied to said transducer
means.
15. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said firearm has a trigger
mechanism and said indicator means indication is normally
deactivated, further comprising means for activating said indicator
means indication when said trigger mechanism is squeezed.
16. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising means for
manually resetting said indicator means indication to the
deactivated state.
17. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising means for
automatically resetting said indicator means indication to the
deactivated state at the end of a predetermined elapsed time
following squeezing of said trigger.
18. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said controlling means
comprises means for latching said indicator means indication at its
existing state until reset.
19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein said firearm has a trigger
mechanism and further comprising means for rendering said latching
means operative in response to squeezing the trigger mechanism.
20. The apparatus of claim 18 further comprising means for manually
resetting said latching means.
21. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein said circuit means further
comprises means for automatically resetting said latching means at
the end of a predetermined elapsed time.
22. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said firearm has a trigger
mechanism and said indicator means further comprises means for
indicating when the trigger mechanism is squeezed.
23. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a target and means
for determining accuracy of aim of said firearm with respect to
said target.
24. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said transducer means is
positioned with respect to said firearm by attachment to a garment
worn by the user of the firearm.
25. Apparatus for training in the accuracy of aim of a firearm,
comprising:
a training firearm;
means for projecting a beam of light toward said firearm;
means mounted on said firearm for reflecting said light beam
towards a target when said firearm is aimed at said target;
a target having means for receiving said reflected light beam and
providing a control signal in response to the received light beam;
and
means responsive to said control signal for displaying an
indication of the accuracy of aim of said firearm with respect to
said target; and
means for training in the correct holding of said firearm,
comprising:
at least one transducer means positioned relative to the firearm
and coupled for providing a signal representing pressure applied to
the firearm;
circuit means responsive to said transducer signal for controlling
a pressure display means, the circuit means defining a transducer
signal range corresponding to a predetermined optimal range of
pressure applied to the firearm; and
pressure indcator means responsive to said circuit means for
providing an indication when the pressure applied to the firearm is
within said predetermined optimal range.
26. Apparatus for training a horseman as to correct pressure
distribution on a saddle, comprising:
a saddle;
at least one transducer means positioned relative to the saddle and
coupled for providing a signal representing pressure applied to the
saddle by the horseman;
circuit means responsive to said transducer signal for controlling
a display means, the circuit means defining a transducer signal
range corresponding to a predetermined optimal range of pressure
applied to the saddle; and
indicator means responsive to said circuit means for providing an
indication when the pressure applied to the saddle at said
transducer means is within said predetermined optimal range.
27. The apparatus of claim 26 wherein said transducer means is
detachably mounted on said saddle.
28. The apparatus of claim 26 wherein the saddle includes a recess
for receiving said transducer means, said transducer means being
mounted in said recess.
29. The apparatus of claim 26 wherein said transducer means
comprises a pair of terminals and means for varying the electrical
resistance between said terminals in dependence on applied
pressure.
30. The apparatus of claim 29 wherein said resistance-varying means
comprises a resiliently deformable, carbon-impregnated core.
31. The apparatus of claim 26 wherein said circuit means comprises
means for determining whether said transducer signal corresponds to
a pressure applied to the saddle which is within, less than, or
greater than said predetermined optimal range, and said indicator
means comprises means operatively connected to the determining
means of the circuit means for providing a first indication when
the pressure applied to said transducer means is within said
predetermined optimal range, a second indication when the pressure
applied to said transducer means is less than said predetermined
range, and a third indication when the pressure applied to said
transducer means is greater than said predetermined range.
32. The apparatus of claim 26 wherein said indicator means
comprises a representation of said saddle having means for
indicating when the pressure applied to the saddle is within said
predetermined range, each said indicating means responsive to the
signal from an associated transducer means, and each said
indicating means located on said representation at a position
corresponding to the position of the associated transducer means on
said saddle.
33. The apparatus of claim 26 wherein said circuit means
comprises:
means for defining a range of variation of said transducer signal
corresponding to said predetermined optimal range of applied
pressure; and
means for controlling said indicator means to provide said
indication when said transducer signal is within said defined
range.
34. The apparatus of claim 26 wherein said transducer means is a
variable-resistance element and said circuit means comprises:
means for producing a reference voltage;
a resistance connected in series with said transducer means;
means for supplying a constant current to said series-connected
resistance and said transducer means;
first means for comparing the combined voltage drop across said
transducer means and said resistance with said reference voltage
and producing a first control signal having a value dependent on
which of the compared voltages is greater;
second means for comparing the voltage drop across said transducer
means with said reference voltage and producing a second control
signal having a value dependent on which of the compared voltages
is greater; and
means for controlling said indicator means indication in dependent
on said first and second control signals.
35. The apparatus of claim 34 wherein said indicator means provides
a first indication when said first and second control signals
represent the condition that the pressure applied to said
transducer means is less than said predetermined range, a second
indication when within said predetermined range, and a third
indication when greater than said predetermined range.
36. The apparatus of claim 34 wherein said resistance is manually
adjustable, whereby the magnitude of pressure variation of said
predetermined range may be manually selected.
37. The apparatus of claim 34 wherein said reference voltage is
manually adjustable, whereby the lower limit of said predetermined
range may be manually selected.
38. The apparatus of claim 34 wherein said first and second control
signals are logic signals and said controlling means comprises a
logic circuit.
39. The apparatus of claim 34 wherein said indicator means provides
a continuous indication of the pressure applied to said transducer
means.
40. The apparatus of claim 26, further comprising a radio
transmitter/receiver link between said transducer means and said
indicator means.
41. The apparatus of claim 40 wherein said radio link comprises a
transmitter having means for pulse coding the signals from a
plurality of said transducer means and a receiver having means for
decoding the pulse coded signals from said transmitter.
42. Apparatus for training as to the correct user interface with
sporting equipment, comprising:
at least one transducer means suitable to be attached to said
sporting equipment for providing a signal which varies in
accordance with a force applied at an interface between a user and
said sporting equipment;
circuit means responsive to said transducer means signal for
controlling a display means; and
indicator means responsive to said circuit means for providing an
indication of said applied force as detected by said at least one
transducer means, said indicator means providing a first indication
for one range of forces when detected by said at least one
transducer means and a second indication for another range of
forces when detected by said at least one transducer means.
43. Apparatus according to claim 42, wherein each said range has an
upper and a lower limit, and said circuit means comprises means for
adjustably presetting said upper and lower limits of each said
range.
44. Apparatus according to claim 42, wherein said indicator means
comprises a visual representation of said sporting equipment, each
said indicating means being positioned on said representation at a
location corresponding to the position of an associated said
transducer on said sporting equipment.
45. Apparatus according to claim 42, wherein said at least one
transducer is detachably mounted with respect to said sporting
equipment.
46. Apparatus according to claim 45, wherein said sporting
equipment includes a recess for receiving at least one said
transducer, said transducer mounted in said recess.
47. Apparatus according to claim 42, wherein said at least one
transducer comprises a pair of terminals and means for varying the
electrical resistance between said terminals in dependence on
forces of pressure or weight applied to said interface.
48. Apparatus according to claim 47, wherein said resistance
varying means comprises a resiliently deformable,
carbon-impregnated core.
49. Apparatus according to claim 42, wherein said transducer means
comprises a variable-resistance element and said circuit means
comprises:
means for producing a reference voltage;
a resistance connected in series with said transducer means;
means for supplying a constant current to said series-connected
resistance and said transducer means;
first means for comparing the combined voltage drop across said
transducer means and said resistance with said reference voltage
and producing a first control signal having a value dependent on
which of the compared voltages is greater;
second means for comparing the voltage drop across said transducer
means with said reference voltage and producing a second control
signal having a value dependent on which of the composed voltages
is greater, and
means for controlling said indicator means indication in dependent
on said first and second control signals.
50. Apparatus according to claim 49, wherein said resistance is
manually adjustable, whereby a range of said applied force as
detected by said transducer means for which a said indication is
provided may be manually selected.
51. Apparatus according to claim 50, wherein said reference voltage
is manually adjustable, whereby a lower limit of said range of
applied force may be manually selected.
Description
This invention relates to improved training and relates
particularly but not exclusively to improved training in relation
to sporting equipment where the pressure of body contact with the
equipment or the weight of a sportsman on the equipment is
important. One embodiment of the invention has particular
application in the training of the correct holding of a rifle for
marksmanship. Such is particularly suitable for training sportsmen,
defense personnel, police personnel and the like.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is
provided training apparatus for sporting equipment including at
least one transducer being pressure sensitive or weight sensitive
for attachment to the sporting equipment at positions where the
pressure of body contact or body weight is critical, a display for
observation by a sportsman, instructor or other person, and an
indicator or indicators on the display. The indicator is
connectable to the transducer so as to give an indication of the
pressure or weight exerted on the transducer. The indicator gives a
first indication for one range of pressures or weights and a second
indication for another range of pressures or weights, so that the
trainee will know when the correct pressure or weight distribution
is achieved.
In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention there
is provided training apparatus for indicating the accuracy of aim
of a rifle or like weapon, including a light beam projector
operable for projecting a light beam towards a rifle or like
weapon, the rifle or like weapon carrying a reflector. A target at
which the rifle or like weapon is to be aimed is provided with a
light beam detector for receiving the reflected light beam. A hit
display operatively connected with the light beam detector provides
an indication when the light beam detector receives a reflection of
the projected light beam from the reflector of the rifle or like
weapon.
In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention there
is provided a light funnel for a target which is to be incided by a
beam of light which is representative of the aim of a rifle or like
weapon at the target, comprising a plurality of elongate light
transmitting members arranged in a group. An end face of each
member is positioned and shaped cover a portion of the target area
and each elongate member is optically tapered from the target end
face to the other end of the member so as to direct substantially
all of the light beam received at the target end face to the other
end of the member. The face of the non-target end of each member
preferably has a cross sectional area substantially the same as a
light receiving window face of a respective photo semi-conductor,
and such a semi-conductor is mounted for detecting the funnelled
light.
It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide apparatus
for training of persons in the proper use of devices requiring a
predetermined pressure or weight distribution by the user. It is a
further object of the invention to provide apparatus for training
in the proper holding and aiming of rifles and like weapons.
Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent
to those skilled in the art from the following drawings and
detailed description of the preferred embodiment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a display panel cabinet;
FIG. 2 is a front view of the display panel;
FIG. 3 is a left side view of the display panel cabinet with a
control panel door removed showing the arrangement of controls for
the apparatus;
FIG. 4 is a side view of a modified rifle for use with the
apparatus;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a pressure transducer mounted in a
casing;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of the inside of a
pressure transducer with the outer covering and electrodes
removed;
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a pressure transducer which
fits into a casing;
FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line 8--8 of FIG. 2 showing
the shape of a light funnel which forms part of the apparatus for
indicting the accuracy of aim of the rifle at the target area on
the display panel;
FIG. 9 is an enlarged front view of the light funnel;
FIG. 10 is an enlarged rear view of the light funnel;
FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of an outer segment of a light
transmitting member which forms part of the funnel, with a photo
semiconductor shown mounted in an operative association
therewith;
FIG. 12 is a block schematic diagram of the accuracy of aim light
transmitter circuitry;
FIG, 13 is a block schematic diagram of the rifle pressure
indicator circuitry;
FIG. 14 is a block schematic diagram of the accuracy of aim display
circuitry;
FIG. 15 is a block schematic diagram in more detail than shown in
FIG. 13 of part of the rifle pressure indicator circuitry;
FIG. 16 is a graph of certain potential levels associated with the
logic and control circuitry of the pressure sensor;
FIG. 17 is a side view of a second embodiment of the invention
comprising a saddle equipped for use in training correct weight
distribution in horse riding;
FIG. 18 is an end view of the saddle of FIG. 17;
FIG. 19 is a front view of a display panel for use with the saddle
of FIGS. 17 and 18;
FIG. 20 is a detailed circuit diagram of the accuracy of aim light
transmitter circuitry of FIG. 12;
FIG. 21 is a detailed circuit diagram of the pressure sensing and
latch circuitry of FIG. 13;
FIG. 22 is a block diagram of a light detector circuit for the
accuracy of aim display circuitry;
FIG. 23 is detailed circuit diagram of the accuracy of aim display
logic circuitry of FIG. 14; and
FIG. 24 is a diagram of a pressure sensing and display circuit
arrangement for use with the saddle of FIGS. 17-19.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The training device is comprised of the display means, FIGS. 1, 2
and 3, and the rifle, FIG. 4. The display means has a
representation of the rifle on the display with four light emitting
means situated at respectively the butt of the rifle, the cheek
position on the rifle, the hand grip of the rifle, and the forehand
grip of the rifle. Each light emitting means can individually
display a particular one of three colored lights. The three colors
which each light emitting means may transmit are, for example,
yellow, green and red which respectively represent too little
pressure, correct pressure and too much pressure. The rifle has
four pressure sensitive transducers fastened to the rifle at
positions corresponding to the described positions on the
representation on the display. The pressure transducers are
electrically connected to the display means through a logic circuit
so that on operation of the trigger of the rifle the particular
colored light at each of the positions is lighted for a set time or
continuously until the equipment is reset. Desirably a blank
cartridge is fired on operation of the trigger to simulate firing
of a real projectile. Naturally, any type of aim and pressure
indicator may be used in place of or in conjunction with the
colored lamps, as will be recognized by those skilled in the
art.
The apparatus also includes an accuracy of aim determining means.
The target of this is shown as the center of the segmented circle,
under the rifle, on the display means. The target is divided into a
central bull's eye with an annulus therearound divided into
quadrants. Directly below the target is a pulsed infra-red (I.R.)
light beam projector. The pulsed I.R. light is projected towards
the rifle and directed back to the target by a reflector attached
to the rifle. Each quadrant and bull's eye of the target has a
photo-electric detector electrically connected for detecting the
reflected I.R. light. Each quadrant photo-electric detector is
connected to a visual indicator, such as a light bulb, for
indicating in which quadrant the reflected I.R. light beam is
received. When the bull's eye photo-electric detector is
illuminated by the reflected I.R. light, all four visual quadrant
indicators are activated .
On depression of the trigger of the rifle in an "automatic" mode of
operation, a switch connected to the trigger is caused to generate
a signal which allows for the display of both the pressure
indication and the accuracy of aim indicator for a time such as 10
seconds. In a "manual" mode of operation, the indication may be
manually reset. An additional indicator lamp may also be included
on the display panel and positioned at the trigger of the rifle
represented thereon to indicate that the trigger has been depressed
and all indicator means have locked.
It should be realized that the apparatus can form a valuable part
of marksmanship training because if a bull's eye or quadrant hit is
not recorded and all pressure indicators show correct pressure this
can only mean that the aim is incorrect. Alternatively, if a bull's
eye is not recorded and certain pressure indicators show incorrect
pressure, then incorrect grip of the rifle is the prime cause of
poor marksmanship.
The apparatus has two pressure indicating operating states:
(1) where the pressure indicators are displayed continuously and
change in accordance with the applied pressure on the rifle and
lock only when the trigger is squeezed; and
(2) where there is no pressure indicating display unitl the trigger
has been squeezed.
The latter state is for a higher standard of training than in the
former, as the trainee marksman is given no visual indication of
the grip pressure until the trigger has been squeezed.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIRST EMBODIMENT
Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 the display means is in a cabinet 1
mounted on a height adjustable pedestal 3. The cabinet 1 has a door
5 behind which is a control panel for the apparatus. The front face
of the cabinet 1 has a panel with a representation 7 of a rifle
thereon and such representation has indicator means in the form of
light emitting means 9, 11, 13 and 15 at positions corresponding
respectively to the butt of the rifle, the cheek position on the
rifle, the hand grip of the rifle, and the forehand grip of the
rifle.
A further light emitting means 17 is provided for indicating that
the rifle has been fired.
Each of the light emitting means 9, 11, 13 and 15 has three
different colored lights mounted therein. The lights are colored
yellow, green and red.
The rifle shown in FIG. 4 has pressure transducers 21, 23, 25 and
27 fitted at positions corresponding to those of the light emitting
means 9, 11, 13 and 15. Each pressure transducer is held in a
casing of two parts (see FIG. 5). Such casing has an outer part 211
of flattened top hat shape and a backing part 212 of flattened C
shape so that the outside surface of the transducer assumes the
contour of the rifle component in which it is mounted. The
transducers are preferably secured in recesses in the demountable
hand grips and stock of the rifle, attached to an otherwise
conventionally constructed rifle. Alternatively, the transducers
may be removably secured to the interior surface of the hand grips
and stock by heat shrinkable tubing or other means, if the
transducers are of sufficiently thin profile as to not interfere
with operation of the rifle. As can be seen, the outward movement
of the outer part 211 from the backing part 212 is limited by the
flanges 213 and 214 on the respective parts but the outer part 211
can move inwardly with respect to the backing part 212.
The transducer electrical portion 216 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) is
mounted within the two parts 211 and 212 and the electrical leads
thereof are brought out in a suitable manner. The electrical
portion 216 of the transducer includes a neoprene sheet 217 of
about 5 mm in thickness with a hole 218 of about 25 mm punched
therein. A foam core 219 of the same dimensions is fitted in the
hole 218 and two brass shim electrodes 240 of the same facial
dimensions as the sheet 217 are fitted one on each side of the foam
219 and held in place by glueing at each corner to the neoprene
sheet 217. The electrodes 240 have leads fastened thereto and the
whole assembly is dipped into silicon rubber to give a coating 222
thereto.
The neoprene sheet 217 provides the necessary bias resiliency to
the transducer while the foam core 219 serves as the electrical
transducer. The silicon rubber coating is thin enough not to add
greatly to the force required to cause compression of the foam
core. The foam core of the transducer is a carbon impregnated
polystyrene foam and is sold under the trade name Velofoam 7611 by
Custom Materials Inc., of Chelmsford Mass. U. S. A. The leads of
all of the transducers are electrically connected via a multi-core
cable 29 (FIG. 4) from the rifle to the display circuitry by
connecting in socket 31 (FIG. 3). The rifle trigger switch also
electrically connects with the display circuitry by the same
multi-core cable 29.
The pressure transducers change electrical resistance when
subjected to pressure as the carbon particles in the foam core are
compacted. A change in current flow through or voltage drop across
the transducers can be related to a change in applied pressure as
will be described later. Transducers 23, 25 and 27 are preferably
mounted on both sides of the rifle, thus obviating the need for
special rifles fitted for right and left handed trainee
marksmen.
An accuracy of aim detection and indication means 35 is shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2 positioned on the display panel beneath the
representation of the rifle. The accuracy of aim detection and
indication means 35 has a central target bull's eye section 37 with
four quadrants 39 forming an annulus therearound. This can be more
clearly seen in FIG. 9, which shows the front face of light funnel
which constitutes the bull's eye section 37 and quadrants 39.
Surrounding the quadrants 39 in an annular window 65 divided into
quadrants corresponding to detector quadrants 31. Behind each
quadrant of annular window 65 is an illuminating light which is
operable in response to electric signals from circuitry in the
display means, as will be described in more detail below.
Directly below the accuracy of aim detection and indication means
35 is a pulsed I.R. light projector 41 which is arranged with the
axis of projection of the light beam directed outwardly and
perpendicularly to the face of the display means. The I.R. source
employs an RCA type No. SG2007 light emitter which has a divergence
characteristic of about 90.degree. in one plane and about
20.degree. in the other plane. The source is mounted so the
divergence is 90.degree. in the horizontal plane and 20.degree. in
the vertical plane.
The block circuitry of the I.R. projector is shown in FIG. 12 and
comprises an oscillator running at the pulsing frequency of the
laser and an inverting switch circuit for converting the oscillator
pulses into suitable signals for switching a silicon controlled
rectifier S.C.R. The silicon controlled rectifier in turn switches
current to the I.R. source SG 2007 at the oscillator frequency from
high voltage direct current source DC2. The oscillator and
inverting switch circuit are supplied with power from a separate
D.C. source DCl. An output from the oscillator is used as a trigger
pulse to allow the accuracy of aim detector logic (see FIG. 14) to
operate only when the I.R. light is pulsed.
The light funnel is preferably made from acrylic rod and is shown
in detail in FIGS. 8 to 11. It comprises a central elongate member
43 with four elongate quadrant shaped members 45 therearound. The
central member 43 has a cylindrical body part 47 terminating into a
truncated conical rear body part 49. The front face 51 is part of a
sphere whose radius of curvature is preferably marginally greater
than half the length of the member. Front face 51 defines a lens
surface which concentrates incident light substantially centrally
of the element in the rear body part 49 and focuses such light on a
point just outside of the circular rear face 53 of the element onto
the light responsive surface of a photo semi-conductor device 54
shown in FIG. 11. The diameter of the rear face 53 is substantially
the same as the window face of the semi-conductor 54 used (for
example, type HP 4220). The conical surface of the rear body part
49 internally reflects light which strikes that surface towards the
end face 53 so that substantially all the light received at the
front face 51 reaches the end face 53 and passes to the photo
semi-conductor 54.
The four light members 45 are identical to one another and each has
an annular segmental front body part 55 which terminates with a
generally truncated conical rear end part 57 which includes a
portion 59 of the surface of the radially innermost surface of the
annular body part 55. The front face 61 and the end face 63 are
respectively of the same curvature and diameter as the
corresponding faces of the inner member 43.
Light incident on the front face of any of the members is directed
to the rear face of the member and detected by the photo
semi-conductor associated therewith, and used to provide an
indication of the accuracy of aim at the front face of the light
funnel target.
A particular alternative form of light funnel is included within
the invention and such comprises using fibre optics and arranging
groups of fibres sufficient to cover the desired target area and
drawing the fibres down so that the end faces remote from the
target face are collectively of a size so that light inciding any
one is directed therethrough to the window of a photo
semi-conductor and onto the photosensitive region of such
device.
FIG. 8 shows the transparent window 65 of annular shape surrounding
the light funnel. This is also shown in FIG. 2 as constituted by
the four quandrants surrounding quadrants 39. The quadrants of
window 65 have the same angular orientation as the light member
quandrants 39 and behind each is a lamp (not shown) shielded from
adjacent quadrants and positioned so that when the lamp is lighted
the corresponding quadrant of window 65 will be illuminated.
Referring to FIG. 3 it can be seen that controls are provided for
adjusting the transducer pressure level at which the various
display panel indicators will operate and the range of pressure
tolerated before the indicator changes from one color to the next.
Controls for these functions are shown respectively on the right
and left hand sides of the control panel. Below the controls are
three manually operable switches which, from left to right: switch
the apparatus on or off; place the apparatus in an automatic mode
(where the grip pressure and accuracy of aim indicators are held in
the display condition for a 10 second period after firing the
rifle) or in a manual mode (which holds the display until manually
reset); and place the apparatus in a continuous display condition
or a non-display condition until firing of the weapon. A reset
switch mounted on the rifle, on the display panel or on the end of
a cable remote from the display cabinet is provided for manually
resetting the apparatus when switched to the manual mode. An
indicator lamp 31 is suitably connected to the on/off switch for
indicating the position of such switch.
The block diagram shown in FIG. 13 represents the circuitry for the
pressure indicator means and it can be seen that for each pressure
indicator there is provided an individual logic and control
circuit. It can also be seen that when the trigger of the rifle is
squeezed a signal is fed to each of the logic and control units.
Further description of the circuitry will be given below with
reference to FIGS. 15 and 21. Each of the logic and control
circuits is arranged as shown in FIG. 15 and has a source of
constant current which is applied to the respective pressure
transducer and a series connected variable resistor R15. A variable
reference voltage source is included, the output of which is
applied to a respective input of each of two comparators (Com. 1
and Com. 2). The output from each side of the variable resistor R15
is also applied to respective inputs of comparators COM 1 and COM
2. The comparator outputs are fed into a logic circuit which
provides an output signal to an appropriate one of the display
lamps--yellow, green or red--consequent on the potential levels
across the variable resistor R15. The potential levels of the
reference voltage V.sub.REF relative to voltages V.sub.A, V.sub.B
from the terminals of variable resistance R15 are shown in the
graph in FIG. 16 for the case where correct pressure is applied to
the transducer. Reference voltage V.sub.REF is set by manual
adjustment of the "Degree" control on the control panel (FIG. 3),
while the value of resistance R15 is set by manual adjustment of
the "tolerance" control.
With the reference voltage set at a particular level representative
of the correct pressure to be applied to the transducer and with
the variable resistance R15 adjusted to be representative of a
desired tolerance range over which pressure applied to the
transducer is acceptable, any change in pressure on the transducer
will alter the voltage drop thereacross. Since the current is
constant, the voltage drop across variable resistance R15 is
constant for a given value of R15. Thus, the potential V.sub.A,
V.sub.B on either side of variable resistance R15 will move higher
or lower in tandem, with the potential difference between V.sub.A
and V.sub.B remaining constant. The comparators provide signals to
the logic circuit, which is arranged to change the display from
green to yellow or red when the higher or lower potentials V.sub.A,
V.sub.B across the variable resistance R15 cross the reference
potential V.sub.REF.
With no pressure applied to the pressure sensors voltages V.sub.A
and V.sub.B will be greater than V.sub.REF and the yellow lamp will
be operating, indicating insufficient applied pressure. When the
applied pressure is increased beyond a certain amount voltage
V.sub.B will decrease below that of the reference voltage V.sub.REF
and the green lamp will then be operating. When the applied
pressure increases beyond a further certain amount voltage V.sub.A
will decrease below that of the reference voltage and the red lamp
will be operating. A switch mounted behind the trigger of the rifle
is arranged to operate a latch in the logic circuit to display and
hold the particular pressure indicating lamp upon firing of the
rifle as discussed above. Details of the logic circuit will be
given below with reference to FIG. 21.
FIG. 14 shows a block diagram of the accuracy of aim detection and
indicating apparatus. Each portion of the target light funnel has a
corresponding one of photo semi-conductors D1-D5 associated
therewith and mounted as in FIG. 11. Each of the elements D1-D5 is
connected to a logic circuit arranged such that if a bull's eye aim
is sensed all four of display lamps 1-4 are lighted and if only one
of the four quadrant elements is aimed at the particular display
lamp for that element is illuminated.
A mirror 250 (see FIG. 4) which is attached to the barrel of the
rifle for reflecting light from the I.R. source to the light funnel
is a plane mirror and has a diameter of, for example, approximately
half the diameter of the central element 43 of the light funnel so
that the reflected light beam size received at the light funnel is
less than or equal to the diameter of the element 43. the I.R.
source is sufficiently small that it may be considered a point
source and, as noted above, this source emits radiation over an
angle of about 90.degree. in the horizontal plane and 20.degree. in
the vertical plane. If the rifle-mounted mirror were very large, a
beam of reflected I.R. light would impinge the light funnel target
as long as the mirror was within the emitted radiation angle, since
there would always be a perpendicular to the mirror bisecting the
angle between the I.R. source and the target. In the present
invention, however, the mirror is restricted in size to one half
the diameter of the bull's eye aperture, so that only when the
angle between the I.R. source and the target is bisected by
perpendicular to the mirror will a beam of light strike the face of
the target. Thus, the mirror must be within the emitted cone of
I.R. radiation nd positioned accurately with respect to the target
in order to assure a "hit" on the target. The position of the
trainee is therefore not extremely critical, and has no effect on
the accuracy of aim detection so long as the above conditions are
satisfied.
The mirror is mounted to be generally perpendicular to the barrel
axis, for example by means of a lockable gymbal mount which may be
released for precise adjustment of the mirror. Suitable mounting
means for the mirror are known in the art and no further discussion
thereof is believed necessary herein. In order to initially zero
(align) a rifle with the bull's eye of the apparatus a switch S4
(described below with reference to FIG. 21) may be provided which
renders the accuracy of aim circuit operative to display variations
in the accuracy of the aim of the rifle as its alignment changes.
Zeroing is achieved by securing the rifle in a clamp at user height
and bore sighting the barrel with the bull's eye. Once the barrel
is zeroed the clamp is locked rigidly in position. The mirror mount
lock is released and mirror 250 is then angularly moved until the
laser beam reflects onto the center of the target. This is
indicated on the display panel by illumination of all four quadrant
lamps behind annular window 65. The mirror 250 is then locked in
this adjusted position. The size of the reflected laser beam
impinging the target is typically a narrow beam of about 5 mm.
diameter.
The sights of the rifle are then adjusted so that they align with
the bull's eye. The rifle is thereby zeroed for bull's eye, on the
target, for particular distance from the target. The clamp can then
be removed and the rifle held and aimed in the normal manner from
then on, although different distances from the target may require
re-alignment of the mirror. It should be noted that movement of the
rifle in an arc about the target within the horizontal and vertical
angles of divergence of the I.R. source will not require
re-alignment, as the previous alignment has aligned the rifle for a
predetermined distance from the source and target.
Instead of the mirror 250 being mounted onto the barrel in a
mounting means so that the angle of the plane of the mirror 250 can
be adjusted, it can alternatively be mounted directly in the bore
of the barrel perpendicular to the longitudinal axis thereof.
Further, the mirror may be mounted in a srew-on attachment on the
end of the barrel so as to locate the mirror axially of the bore,
or in a blank firing attachment so as to be located centrally of
the longitudinal axis of the bore, with the plane of the mirror
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bore.
It will be appreciated that the principles of the invention as
outlined in the above preferred embodiment can be adopted for
training in other fields such as horse riding, and like fields
where weight or pressure of grip are critical, and the invention is
intended to extend to training apparatus for such fields.
For example, in horse riding, as shown in FIGS. 17 to 19, a saddle
80 has pressure transducers 83 located at regions where weight
distribution or leg pressure is critical. A display panel 85 has
representations 87 of the saddle thereon, the indicator means 89
being arranged to show insufficient weight (or pressure), correct
weight, or too much weight. The circuitry for this is substantially
indentical to the pressure indicator circuitry in the previous
embodiment, except that a suitable pulse coded radio control link
between the sensors and the display circuitry panel is provided as
in FIG. 24 to obviate the problem of tailing cables between the
saddle and the display unit. As an alternative to this the display
means may be carried by the horse.
FIG. 20 shows in greater detail than FIG. 21 the I.R. source
generator circuitry. The I.R. source comprises an oscillator which
may in turn comprise an integrated circuit type NE555 connected to
provide an output frequency suitable for driving the I.R. light
emitting element D13, RCA type SG2007, for example. Connected
between the oscillator and element D13 is a firing circuit which
inverts the signal from the oscillator and provides pulses for
switching SCR1 to the conducting state. Direct current pulses from
the high voltage charging circuit are thus supplied to D13 through
SCR1 to cause emission of the I.R. radiation from D13.
FIG. 21 shows in greater detail the pressure sensing and latch
circuits for the training devices. The pressure sensing circuit
comprises a constant current source which includes a transistor T1
and resistors R1-R4. Resistors R1 and R3 act as bias resistors for
the transistor, while resistors R2 and R4, in conjunction with
transistor T1, act as a portion of a voltage divider. The voltage
divider is completed by resistors R15 and R16, as will be described
in more detail below.
A further voltage divider comprising resistors R5-R7 is connected
between the power supply and earth. Resistors R5 and R7 are
constant-value, while resistor R6 is manually adjustable so that a
reference voltage may be selected from the center tap for
application to respective inputs of comparators 1 and 2. The
reference voltage V.sub.REF from the center tap of resistor R6
determines the degree of pressure on the transducer which will
cause the comparators to change logic output state. This will
become more apparent from further analysis of the circuit.
A pair of comparators is provided, comparator 1 comprising an
inverting amplifier A1 and resistors R8-R10. Comparator 2 comprises
an inverting amplifier A2, resistors R11-R14 and a logic invertor
I1. The pressure tolerance range may be set by manually adjustable
resistor R15, while variable resistor R16 comprises the transducer
at one of the pressure points on the rifle or like weapon.
Resistors R15 and R16 are series-connected with resistor R4 of the
constant current circuit to form a voltage divider having output
voltages V.sub.A and V.sub.B. Since the current through R15 is
constant, the voltage drop across R15 also remains constant for a
given setting of R15. Therefore, the difference between voltage
V.sub.A supplied to input resistor R9 of comparator 1 and voltage
V.sub.B supplied to input resistor R12 of comparator 2 is dependent
on the value of R15 and is constant for a constant value of R15.
Varying the resistance of R16 by changing the pressure on the
transducer therefore causes V.sub.A and V.sub.B to increase or
decrease in value tandemly.
Comparator 1 provides a logic level output which is dependent on
whether V.sub.A is greater or less than V.sub.REF. Similarly,
comparator 2 provides a logic output which is dependent of whether
V.sub.B is greater or less than V.sub.REF. A logic circuit for
triggering a visual indication dependent on the logic output states
of comparators 1 and 2 is connected to the outputs of the
comparators and comprises inverters I1-I6, OR gates OR1-OR7, NAND
gates N1-N3, electronic controllable switches G1-G3, and biasing
resistors R17-R24. Following the logic circuitry is a series of
lamp drive amplifiers comprising transistors T2-T4, having input
resistors R25-R27, respectively. Each of the lamp drive amplifiers
serves to switch on a respective one of the yellow, green and red
indicator lamps shown at the right portion of the figure, when the
appropriate logic signal is provided to the respective
amplifier.
The latching circuit is shown at the lower portion of FIG. 21, and
comprises an integrated circuit IC1, which may be of type NE555.
The latching circuit is connected to a switch S1 which is mounted
on the rifle and activated by the trigger. Also connected to the
latching circuit are reset switch S2 and auto/manual switch S3. The
output of the latching circuit is normally at a LO logic state (for
example, 0 volts DC), and switches to a HI logic state (for
example, +1 volt DC) when the trigger switch S1 is depressed. With
the auto/manual switch in manual position, the logic output state
of the latching circuit will remain HI for several minutes or until
reset switch S2 is momentarily closed. With switch S3 in the
automatic position, however, the latching circuit output will
remain in the HI logic state only for a predetermined period of
time, such as 10 seconds, and will revert to the LO logic state
automatically at the termination of the predetermined time or when
the reset switch S2 is closed. The length of time required for the
latching circuit to automatically return to the LO logic state is
dependent on the time constant of the circuit, which is
considerably larger for the manual than the automatic mode of
operation. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the time
constants may be any suitable values for convenience of operation.
The time limit imposed on the display in manual mode is not
necessary but is desirable in the case of a battery-powered trainer
to extend battery life.
Also connected to the trigger latch source is an amplifier
comprising a base resistor R28 and a transistor T5. When the
trigger latch pulse is at a HI logic state, transistor T5 is
switched on, causing the coil of relay RL1 to be energized and
causing the trigger lamp to be lighted. The trigger lamp provides a
visual indication that the rifle trigger has been depressed. Upon
energization of relay coil RL1, the contacts of RL1 are switched to
the opposite position from that shown in FIG. 21. In this manner,
the positive voltage supply +V is connected to respective terminals
of the quadrant lamps shown in FIG. 23 and also to the yellow,
green, and red lamps of FIG. 21. If it is desired to have
continuous accuracy of aim and pressure indicator lamp display, the
display switch S4 may be closed, in which case the voltage supply
+V is connected to the lamps regardless of the relay position. It
has been found advantageous for the trainee to begin practice with
switch S4 closed so that continuous lamp display will result. After
a period of training, however, switch S4 may be opened so that the
indicator lamps will operate only when the trigger is depressed,
thereby providing a more advanced level of training.
Turning now to the operation of the pressure sensing and latch
circuits, the logic states of FIG. 21 will first be described with
trigger switch S1 open and with no pressure applied to the
transducer. In this circumstance, the trigger latch signal to
switches G1-G3 is at a LO logic state and the switches are
therefore in the open position. Switches G1-G3 are connected such
that their respective outputs are in the HI logic state when the
gates are open. Thus, all the inputs to OR gates OR3-OR7 are in the
HI logic state and the outputs of gates OR3-OR7 are also in the HI
logic state. It is to be noted that gates OR3-OR7 are connected
such that a LO logic level output is obtained if either input is
LO, while gates OR1, OR2 are connected such that a HI logic output
is obtained if either output is HI. With no pressure applied to the
transducer outputs of both comparator amplifiers A1 and A2 are HI,
and the output of inverter I1 is LO. It can thus be seen that NAND
gate N1 is the only gate of N1-N3 to have all inputs HI so that the
output of N1 is LO and the outputs of N2, N3 and HI. The LO output
of gate N1 is inverted by I4 to switch on transistor T2, causing
the yellow lamp to be illuminated.
If sufficient pressure is applied to the transducer so that voltage
V.sub.B falls below V.sub.REF, then amplifier A2 of comparator 2
changes state and the output of inverter I1 becomes HI. Because all
of switches G1-G3 are open, the inputs of gates OR3-OR7 are HI and
the outputs of gates OR3-OR7 are also HI. Therefore, all three
inputs to NAND gate N2 are HI and output of NAND gate N2 is LO. The
output of NAND gate N2 disables gates N1 and N3, making their
outputs HI. The LO output of gate N2 is supplied to inverter I5 and
the resulting HI logic level output switches on transistor T3,
causing the green lamp to be illuminated.
When sufficient additional pressure is applied to the transducer so
that both voltages V.sub.A and V.sub.B fall below V.sub.REF,
comparator 1 changes to the LO logic output state. The output of
inverter I1 is still HI, as are the outputs of OR3-OR7 due to
switches G1-G3 being open. Therefore, all three inputs to NAND gate
N3 are HI. The output of NAND gate N3 is inverted by I6, causing
the red lamp to be illuminated.
Taking the case when yellow lamp is illuminated, squeezing the
trigger will cause the trigger latch signal to change to the HI
logic state, closing switches G1-G3. The yellow lamp is still
illuminated, the output of NAND N1 is still LO and the outputs of
NAND gates N2 and N3 are still HI. Upon closing of switches G1-G3
the outputs of OR3, OR5 and OR6 become LO and I2 inverts the output
of OR3 so the output of OR1 remains HI. The LO outputs of OR5 and
OR6 disable NAND GATES N2 and N3, causing the outputs of N2 and N3
to remain HI. The outputs of OR4 and OR7 remain HI. Therefore, gate
N1 is the only NAND with all inputs HI, and this is true regardless
of the outputs of comparator amplifiers A1 and A2. It can thus be
seen that squeezing of the trigger with the yellow lamp illuminated
will cause the yellow lamp to remain illuminated until the latching
circuit of FIG. 21 is reset.
When the green lamp is illuminated and the trigger is squeezed, the
trigger latch signal goes to the HI logic state and causes switches
G1-G3 to close. The output of NAND gate N2 is LO and the outputs of
NAND gates N1 and N3 are HI, so that closing of switches G1-G3
causes the outputs of OR3, OR4, OR6 and OR7 to change from HI to
LO. The outputs of OR3 and OR7 are inverted by I2 and I3,
respectively, ensuring that the outputs of OR1 and OR2 are HI. The
LO outputs of OR4 and OR6 serve to disable NAND gates N1 and N3,
ensuring that the outputs of N1 and N3 remain HI. The output of OR5
remains HI so that gate N2 is the only NAND gate with all inputs
HI, regardless of the outputs of comparator amplifiers A1 and A2.
Thus, squeezing the trigger when the green lamp is illuminated
serves to hold the green lamp on until the latching circuit of FIG.
21 is reset. Operation of the logic circuit of FIG. 21 for the red
lamp is similar to that for the yellow lamp and therefore will not
be described herein in detail.
At the lower right hand portion of FIG. 21, it can be seen that the
trigger latch signal is supplied to further pressure sensing
circuits. A pressure sensing circuit of the type shown in FIG. 21
is provided for each of the transducers which is to be mounted on
the rifle or like weapon. Operation of the further pressure sensing
circuits is the same as that shown in FIG. 21, and therefore no
further discussion thereof is believed necessary. The power source
to the red, green and yellow lamps which is connectable through
either the contacts of relay R1 or of display switch S4 is also
provided to the quadrant lamps, as will be described with reference
to FIG. 23, and provides power for lighting such quadrant lamps.
The trigger latch signal provided to the pressure sensing circuits
from the latching circuit is also provided to the quadrant lamp
circuit shown in FIG. 23.
FIGS. 22 and 23 show in greater detail the accuracy of aim detector
circuitry of FIG. 14. FIG. 22 shows a detector circuit which
receives the I.R. light reflected from the rifle-mounted mirror and
generates a logic signal representative thereof. A circuit as shown
in FIG. 22 is provided for each of the four quadrants of the
target, and such a circuit is also provided for the bull's eye of
the target. For simplicity, only one such circuit is shown.
In FIG. 22, a photodetector is shown which receives the I.R. light
reflected from the rifle-mounted mirror and funneled through a
respective one of the acrylic rods forming the light funnel. Upon
receipt of the reflective light, the photodetector D20 begins to
conduct and provides a signal to a detector amplifier, which
amplifies the signal from D20 and provides the amplified signal to
one input of a comparator. A threshold circuit provides a reference
threshold voltage to a second input of the comparator. The gating
signal received from the emitter pulse generator of FIG. 20 enables
the comparator and permits the comparator to provide a signal to a
re-triggerable monostable element, which gives a HI or LO logic
output depending upon the conductive state of the photodetector
D20. The gating signal is supplied to each of the five comparators
which correspond to the five segments of the target. The
re-triggerable monostable element may be constructed in a manner
known in the art, for example using an integrated circuit type
NE555.
The logic output of the re-triggerable monostable element of each
of the five circuits as shown in FIG. 22 is provided to a
respective input at the left portion of FIG. 23, which comprises
the logic circuitry for lighting the quadrant lamps in response to
a "hit" of reflected I.R. light onto the target area. The logic
circuit of FIG. 23 comprises OR gates OR11-OR14, NOR gates
NOR11-NOR14, AND gates AND11-AND22, NAND gate 11, switches G11-G14
and amplifiers A11-A14. Switches G11-G14 are bilateral electronic
switches which, when in open circuit position, would leave the
inputs of the following gates open circuited. To avoid this
situation in practice, the switch contact is terminated to ground
with a resistor so the respective switch output is LO when the
switch is open. This contrasts with the connection of switches
G1-G3 of FIG. 21. For simplicity of illustration, the termination
to ground of G11-G14 is not shown in FIG. 23. Each of the
amplifiers A11-A14 comprises, for example, a base resistor and a
transistor such as resistor R25 and transistor T2 of FIG. 21. The
amplifiers serve to switch on quadrant lamps 1-4 in response to
appropriate signals from the logic circuitry.
Turning now to the operation of FIG. 23, a HI logic level appears
on the input to OR11 from the quadrant 1 circuit when quadrant 1 is
illuminated by reflected I.R. light. The remaining inputs to OR11
are LO since the bull's eye is not illuminated and since there is a
terminating resistor to ground (not shown) on the output contact of
switch G11. Therefore the output of OR11 is HI and one input of
gate AND11 is HI. Since the trigger latch is LO at AND13 (the
trigger not having been squeezed yet), the output of AND13 is LO.
Because the output switch contacts of G11-G14 are terminated LO,
the outputs of gates AND11, AND14, AND17 and AND20 are also LO.
This ensures that all inputs to gate NOR11 are LO and that the
output of NOR11 is HI. With both inputs of AND12 HI, the output of
AND12 is HI. Amplifier A11 receives the HI output of AND11, causing
the quadrant 1 lamp to be illuminated. Operation of the FIG. 23
arrangement for the conditions where quadrants 2, 3, or 4 are
illuminated by reflected I.R. light is comparable to that for
quadrant 1.
In the case where the bull's eye is illuminated by reflected I.R.
light, a HI logic level appears on one input of each of gates
OR11-OR14. The remaining two inputs of each of these OR gates are
at the LO logic state since none of the individual quadrants is
illuminated by I.R. light and since the output contacts of switches
G11-G14 are terminated LO, the trigger not having yet been
squeezed. Therefore a HI logic state appears on the outputs of
OR11-OR14 and on one input of each of gates AND12, AND15, AND18 and
AND21. Because the output contacts of switches G11-G14 are
terminated LO, the outputs of gates AND11, AND14, AND17 and AND20
are also LO. This ensures that all inputs to gates NOR11, NOR12,
NOR13 and NOR14 are LO and that the output of last of these four
gates is LO. The outputs of gates AND12, AND15, AND18 and AND21 are
therefore HI, causing all of the quadrant lamps to be illuminated
through amplifiers A11-A14.
Consider now the action of the circuit of FIG. 23 when a single
quadrant is illuminated by I.R. light and the trigger is squeezed,
causing the trigger latch signal to change from LO to HI to close
switches G11-G14. Prior to closing of switches G11-G14 the output
of AND12 is HI and the outputs of AND15, AND18 and AND21 are all
LO. Closing switch G11 causes the inputs to AND11 and OR11 to
change from LO to HI, while closing switches G12-G14 has no effect
on the inputs of gates connected thereto. There is therefore no
change in the HI output of NAND11 since only one of its inuts is
HI. Both inputs to AND11 now being HI, the output of AND11 becomes
HI, causing the outputs of NOR12, NOR13 and NOR14 to become LO.
Gates AND15, AND18 and AND21 are in turn disabled so that their
respective outputs are held in the LO logic state, resulting in
quadrant lamps 2, 3 and 4 being held off. Because switch G11
supplies a HI logic state to one input of gate OR11, the output of
OR11 is HI regardless of the other inputs. Thus, signals from the
detector circuits have no effect on the logic of FIG. 23 once
quadrant lamp 1 is latched on by squeezing the trigger, until the
trigger latch signal is reset to the LO logic state. Operation for
the conditions where quadrants 2, 3 or 4 are illuminated by I.R.
light when the trigger is squeezed is similar to that for quadrant
1 and will not be described in detail herein.
Taking the case where the bull's eye is illuminated by I.R. light
when the trigger is squeezed, it will be seen that all four
quadrant lamps are latched on until the trigger latch signal is
reset. Prior to closing of switches G11-G14 the outputs of AND12,
AND15, AND18 and AND21 are all HI. Closing of switches G11-G14 in
response to the HI trigger latch signal causes inputs to gates
AND11, AND14, AND17, AND20 and OR11-OR14 to change from LO to HI.
This ensures that the outputs of OR11-OR14 are always HI and that
all inputs to NAND11 are HI, making the output of NAND11 become LO.
The outputs of gates AND11, AND14, AND17 and AND20 therefore become
LO. Since all inputs to NOR11-NOR14 are LO, their respective
outputs are HI, sending the outputs of AND12, AND15, AND18 and
AND21 HI. All four quadrant lamps are thereby latched on until the
trigger latch signal is reset from HI to LO.
FIG. 24 shows a block diagram of a modification of the circuitry of
the rifle training system which could be used, for example, with
the horse riding training saddle of FIGS. 17-19. For each pressure
transducer on the saddle or other training device, a pressure
sensing network of the type shown in FIGS. 15 and 21 is provided.
Between the pressure sensing network and the logic circuitry which
provides signals to the yellow, green, and red display lamps is an
arrangement which avoids the necessity of a cable connection
between the training device and the display panel. As shown in FIG.
24, the pressure sensing network outputs from comparators 1 and 2
are provided to a pulse coder which drives a transmitter. The
pressure sensing networks, pulse coder and transmitter may be
mounted on the saddle and may be battery operated. The display
panel has a receiving antenna and receiver with decoder for
providing the signals corresponding to the outputs of comparators 1
and 2 to a logic circuit with display lamps for each of the
pressure sensing networks. Since any suitable coder/decoder and
transmitter/receiver apparatus known in the art could be used for
this purpose, details of such elements are not included herein.
Those skilled in the art will recognize that numerous modifications
may be made within the spirit and scope of the abovedescribed
invention. For example, the pressure sending transducers for
training in the proper holding of the rifle may be attached to a
garment such as a field jacket, vest or gloves worn by the trainee,
rather than having the transducers mounted on the rifle itself.
Those skilled in the art will also recognize that the training
apparatus of the present invention is equally applicable to
handguns or to other firearms. It is accordingly intended that the
scope of the invention not be limited by the above description, but
be defined by the following claims.
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